Therapists in New York, NY

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Photo of Ayanna Obando, LMHC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ayanna Obando
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMHC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10018  (Online Only)
Ayanna is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who works with individuals looking to overcome the effects of adversity and trauma. She treats a range of trauma and stressor-related disorders including developmental and complex trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and issues related to adjustment and life transitions. Ayanna also provides support to individuals struggling with depression and anxiety. She helps her clients to navigate interpersonal/relationship challenges, family conflict, parenting, self-esteem, and personal growth.
Ayanna is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who works with individuals looking to overcome the effects of adversity and trauma. She treats a range of trauma and stressor-related disorders including developmental and complex trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and issues related to adjustment and life transitions. Ayanna also provides support to individuals struggling with depression and anxiety. She helps her clients to navigate interpersonal/relationship challenges, family conflict, parenting, self-esteem, and personal growth.
(646) 681-7768 View (646) 681-7768
Photo of Julie Slavin, LMFT
Julie Slavin
LMFT
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10017  (Online Only)
Julie Potash Slavin, LMFT, is a Licensed Clinical Therapist, DJ and radio personality known for her highly engaged, insightful and practical therapeutic style. She is an active participant in helping individuals and couples identify patterns that are no longer serving them while increasing connection, understanding, and driving change.
Julie Potash Slavin, LMFT, is a Licensed Clinical Therapist, DJ and radio personality known for her highly engaged, insightful and practical therapeutic style. She is an active participant in helping individuals and couples identify patterns that are no longer serving them while increasing connection, understanding, and driving change.
(332) 334-6972 View (332) 334-6972
Photo of Devon MacDermott, PhD, Psychologist
Devon MacDermott
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016  (Online Only)
The primary goal of psychotherapy is to allow you to come closer to the person you'd like to be. This means exploring and discovering your values and aligning your life more closely with those values. I have been practicing for ten years, helping people with a wide variety of struggles, find relief and grow to be the people they want to be. Using techniques that help you to understand and change problematic life patterns, I emphasize finding your strengths and allowing those to be the foundation of your growth.
The primary goal of psychotherapy is to allow you to come closer to the person you'd like to be. This means exploring and discovering your values and aligning your life more closely with those values. I have been practicing for ten years, helping people with a wide variety of struggles, find relief and grow to be the people they want to be. Using techniques that help you to understand and change problematic life patterns, I emphasize finding your strengths and allowing those to be the foundation of your growth.
(201) 258-7972 View (201) 258-7972
Photo of Silviana Capra, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Silviana Capra
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10001  (Online Only)
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Los Angeles, with a passion for helping people uncover the healer within themselves. Using trauma-informed training, I guide clients on a journey of self-discovery, helping them look inward and better understand how their life experiences have shaped their current reality. By aligning with their gifts, I support them in following their intuition and stepping into their limitless potential.
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Los Angeles, with a passion for helping people uncover the healer within themselves. Using trauma-informed training, I guide clients on a journey of self-discovery, helping them look inward and better understand how their life experiences have shaped their current reality. By aligning with their gifts, I support them in following their intuition and stepping into their limitless potential.
(929) 460-9173 View (929) 460-9173
Photo of Tabitha Ford, LCSW, ADHD-CS, SIFI, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tabitha Ford
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ADHD-CS, SIFI
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10018  (Online Only)
I specialize in providing neurodiverse-affirming therapy. What does this mean? It means that my therapeutic approach is to help you embrace your differences while still trying to navigate a neurotypical world and expectations. Usually, the clients I see in my practice are adults who have trouble navigating life transitions and are usually on the spectrum of ADHD, Autism, OCD, Anxiety, and/or Depression. I don’t believe people necessarily fit in a neat little box that is labeled with a mental health diagnosis. I don’t believe that a diagnosis should be a means to an end for treatment. There’s no one size fits all treatment.
I specialize in providing neurodiverse-affirming therapy. What does this mean? It means that my therapeutic approach is to help you embrace your differences while still trying to navigate a neurotypical world and expectations. Usually, the clients I see in my practice are adults who have trouble navigating life transitions and are usually on the spectrum of ADHD, Autism, OCD, Anxiety, and/or Depression. I don’t believe people necessarily fit in a neat little box that is labeled with a mental health diagnosis. I don’t believe that a diagnosis should be a means to an end for treatment. There’s no one size fits all treatment.
(718) 557-9822 View (718) 557-9822
Photo of Shira Piasek, LMHC, MA, Counselor
Shira Piasek
Counselor, LMHC, MA
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10010  (Online Only)
Shira is a skilled mental health counselor supporting those in need to make positive and meaningful changes. Through a compassionate lens, she helps individuals overcome issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship conflict. Shira uses client centered counseling to increase motivation and self-employment. She helps individuals to reach short and long-term goals and develop healthy coping skills to continue to improve quality of life.
Shira is a skilled mental health counselor supporting those in need to make positive and meaningful changes. Through a compassionate lens, she helps individuals overcome issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship conflict. Shira uses client centered counseling to increase motivation and self-employment. She helps individuals to reach short and long-term goals and develop healthy coping skills to continue to improve quality of life.
(845) 482-0897 View (845) 482-0897
Photo of M. Abigail Degge, LCSW, CSW-G, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
M. Abigail Degge
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CSW-G
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10034  (Online Only)
Welcome, I'm so glad you're here. For 13 years, I've worked with many individuals like you seeking help and a fresh perspective. I firmly believe every human capable of overcoming difficult circumstances and coping with unexpected life transitions. I welcome clients from all walks of life to the therapeutic setting, and I actively affirm people from all races, sexual orientations and identities, religious backgrounds, and cultural experiences. Access to quality and affordable mental healthcare is a human right, and I cherish the opportunity to provide that for clients.
Welcome, I'm so glad you're here. For 13 years, I've worked with many individuals like you seeking help and a fresh perspective. I firmly believe every human capable of overcoming difficult circumstances and coping with unexpected life transitions. I welcome clients from all walks of life to the therapeutic setting, and I actively affirm people from all races, sexual orientations and identities, religious backgrounds, and cultural experiences. Access to quality and affordable mental healthcare is a human right, and I cherish the opportunity to provide that for clients.
(929) 325-1024 View (929) 325-1024
Photo of Russell Weigandt, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Russell Weigandt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10028
It’s easy to get stuck—in negative thought patterns, in limiting self-beliefs, in unhealthy relationships, in long periods of pain and suffering. But there is always a path out of the dark chapters of our lives. The truth is you already have everything you need to free yourself and turn to a new chapter that is full of opportunity. We all carry the strength of our experiences within us. I partner with my clients to rediscover these forgotten assets, handpick the right psychological tools to amplify these strengths and empower you to build toward the life you deserve.
It’s easy to get stuck—in negative thought patterns, in limiting self-beliefs, in unhealthy relationships, in long periods of pain and suffering. But there is always a path out of the dark chapters of our lives. The truth is you already have everything you need to free yourself and turn to a new chapter that is full of opportunity. We all carry the strength of our experiences within us. I partner with my clients to rediscover these forgotten assets, handpick the right psychological tools to amplify these strengths and empower you to build toward the life you deserve.
(646) 705-0828 View (646) 705-0828
Photo of Victoria Nanga, MFT, CLC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Victoria Nanga
Pre-Licensed Professional, MFT, CLC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10019  (Online Only)
I help adults struggling with self-love. Using strategic interventions, our work together will help you develop practical skills, health and wellness routines and address your mental and emotional needs on a fundamental level. Through our work, you will become intentional about your life, set specific goals, and feel empowered. I also help couples who have challenges in areas of communication, lack of trust, and a loss of respect. I offer a unique premarital assessment which reduces divorce by 30%. I also offer Christian and Spiritual Faith Based therapy for those interested.
I help adults struggling with self-love. Using strategic interventions, our work together will help you develop practical skills, health and wellness routines and address your mental and emotional needs on a fundamental level. Through our work, you will become intentional about your life, set specific goals, and feel empowered. I also help couples who have challenges in areas of communication, lack of trust, and a loss of respect. I offer a unique premarital assessment which reduces divorce by 30%. I also offer Christian and Spiritual Faith Based therapy for those interested.
(347) 297-5997 View (347) 297-5997
Photo of Ron Murphy, PhD, Psychologist
Ron Murphy
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10028
I really enjoy working with people who want to be helped with painful feelings and experiences that have interfered with their sense of well being. All of us are limited by upsettingly negative emotions that make it harder to accomplish things that would make our lives richer, more comfortable and secure. I base my work on the principles of Mindfulnes Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy. This approach has been shown to be very successful helping anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, phobias and many other individual and relationship issues. Like most experienced therapists, I also integrate ideas from other approaches whenever appropriate.
I really enjoy working with people who want to be helped with painful feelings and experiences that have interfered with their sense of well being. All of us are limited by upsettingly negative emotions that make it harder to accomplish things that would make our lives richer, more comfortable and secure. I base my work on the principles of Mindfulnes Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy. This approach has been shown to be very successful helping anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, phobias and many other individual and relationship issues. Like most experienced therapists, I also integrate ideas from other approaches whenever appropriate.
(212) 288-4660 View (212) 288-4660
Photo of Candice Perrier, LMHC, Counselor
Candice Perrier
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016
Navigating the path to wellness is challenging and the decision to begin therapy is monumental in gaining insight, perspective, and a sense of control. If you’re experiencing stress from life transitions, distress in relationships, career challenges, depression, anxiety, or inauthenticity within yourself, therapy can be an investment in moving towards the direction you choose.
Navigating the path to wellness is challenging and the decision to begin therapy is monumental in gaining insight, perspective, and a sense of control. If you’re experiencing stress from life transitions, distress in relationships, career challenges, depression, anxiety, or inauthenticity within yourself, therapy can be an investment in moving towards the direction you choose.
(929) 306-6985 View (929) 306-6985
Photo of Gail Smith, Pre-Licensed Professional
Gail Smith
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10003
Hello! I'm Gail, a therapist based in NYC, and it would be a privilege to accompany you on a path towards healing. I’m committed to exploring your past experiences and understanding how they affect your present challenges. Through collaboration, we utilize the strengths you already possess to help resolve those challenges. I believe you are the expert in your own life; my role is to support you in achieving your personal goals and aspirations. By adopting an integrative and client-centered approach, we will generate insight and develop strategies that resonate with your authentic self.
Hello! I'm Gail, a therapist based in NYC, and it would be a privilege to accompany you on a path towards healing. I’m committed to exploring your past experiences and understanding how they affect your present challenges. Through collaboration, we utilize the strengths you already possess to help resolve those challenges. I believe you are the expert in your own life; my role is to support you in achieving your personal goals and aspirations. By adopting an integrative and client-centered approach, we will generate insight and develop strategies that resonate with your authentic self.
(646) 798-1866 View (646) 798-1866
Photo of Deanna Doherty, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Deanna Doherty
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
New York, NY 10003  (Online Only)
Are you coping with grief, anxiety, overwhelm? Are you looking to actually enjoy life vs. just get by? I’m Deanna, a trauma-informed, somatic psychotherapist and the founder of Shifting Tides Therapy. With extensive experience, I specialize in working with grief, PTSD, life transitions, navigating intimate relationships, chronic illness, anxiety, and addictions, including sexual addiction. I also provide support for perfectionism, caregiver burnout, traumatic/sudden loss, anticipatory grief, and those raised in non-traditional families. Additionally, I work closely with individuals in high-performing, highly stressful careers.
Are you coping with grief, anxiety, overwhelm? Are you looking to actually enjoy life vs. just get by? I’m Deanna, a trauma-informed, somatic psychotherapist and the founder of Shifting Tides Therapy. With extensive experience, I specialize in working with grief, PTSD, life transitions, navigating intimate relationships, chronic illness, anxiety, and addictions, including sexual addiction. I also provide support for perfectionism, caregiver burnout, traumatic/sudden loss, anticipatory grief, and those raised in non-traditional families. Additionally, I work closely with individuals in high-performing, highly stressful careers.
(929) 335-2269 View (929) 335-2269
Photo of Victoria Lassen, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Victoria Lassen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10001  (Online Only)
Therapy is a place where you are invited to reclaim or discover your true self. Loss and pain are fundamental human experiences that come in many forms, but they are not easy to process alone. In therapy, I can accompany you on your journey to understanding, healing, and embracing yourself in your truest form. My approach focuses on supporting you through building comfort with vulnerability and accountability. Together, we can identify what is not serving you and embrace what is.
Therapy is a place where you are invited to reclaim or discover your true self. Loss and pain are fundamental human experiences that come in many forms, but they are not easy to process alone. In therapy, I can accompany you on your journey to understanding, healing, and embracing yourself in your truest form. My approach focuses on supporting you through building comfort with vulnerability and accountability. Together, we can identify what is not serving you and embrace what is.
(646) 956-3926 View (646) 956-3926
Photo of Eric Mendelsohn, PhD, Psychologist
Eric Mendelsohn
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10024
There is an intriguing complexity at the heart of therapy. Patient and therapist meet together to consider difficulties in the patient's life. From this shared experience an interesting and challenging thing happens. Versions of the difficulties being addressed in therapy begin to emerge in the therapy relationship. The question is not whether this happens, but rather whether it is noticed and discussed. So, therapy, when it works well, comes to be not just about the patient's life, it becomes a vital piece of that life. Emotionally meaningful experience is generated and dealt with in the therapy itself.
There is an intriguing complexity at the heart of therapy. Patient and therapist meet together to consider difficulties in the patient's life. From this shared experience an interesting and challenging thing happens. Versions of the difficulties being addressed in therapy begin to emerge in the therapy relationship. The question is not whether this happens, but rather whether it is noticed and discussed. So, therapy, when it works well, comes to be not just about the patient's life, it becomes a vital piece of that life. Emotionally meaningful experience is generated and dealt with in the therapy itself.
(646) 846-9612 View (646) 846-9612
Photo of Sara Swain, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sara Swain
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10001  (Online Only)
Are you feeling stressed or tired? Having difficulties completing tasks that were once easy? Do you find yourself turning to food, shopping, alcohol, etc. to feel better? Are you questioning whether to stay in your current relationship or wish to get your relationship back to what it used to be? Therapy is a collaborative relationship and making the right connection is crucial to your development and growth.Together, we can build a trusting, safe environment, which empowers you to take risks and make positive changes
Are you feeling stressed or tired? Having difficulties completing tasks that were once easy? Do you find yourself turning to food, shopping, alcohol, etc. to feel better? Are you questioning whether to stay in your current relationship or wish to get your relationship back to what it used to be? Therapy is a collaborative relationship and making the right connection is crucial to your development and growth.Together, we can build a trusting, safe environment, which empowers you to take risks and make positive changes
(929) 238-8928 View (929) 238-8928
Photo of Dr. Euraina Barnes - Skypiatrist Psychiatry, PLLC, PhD, LMHC, Counselor
Skypiatrist Psychiatry, PLLC
Counselor, PhD, LMHC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10003  (Online Only)
I have a Ph.D. in Education. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and holistic practitioner with over 16 years of experience. I am a compassionate therapist dedicated to helping you. I’ve worked with those who struggled with emotional and social challenges, such as, anxiety, anger management, communication skills, LGBTQ+ and self-esteem. I approach my work with multicultural competence and through a collaborative style.
I have a Ph.D. in Education. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and holistic practitioner with over 16 years of experience. I am a compassionate therapist dedicated to helping you. I’ve worked with those who struggled with emotional and social challenges, such as, anxiety, anger management, communication skills, LGBTQ+ and self-esteem. I approach my work with multicultural competence and through a collaborative style.
(646) 968-2137 View (646) 968-2137
Photo of Lisa Nichols - Nichols & Associates, MBA, PhD, Psychologist
Nichols & Associates
Psychologist, MBA, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10128  (Online Only)
I specialize in crisis work which can be in your private or professional life. What does crisis work mean it is a situation (s) or difficulty in your life that came upon you unexpectedly and you are finding it unmanageable to maintain all of your other daily activities. I I have traveled extensively, lived overseas, and speak French fluently (can do therapy in French). Hence, I am accustomed to working with an international and culturally diverse clientele. I am focused on working with anxiety and depressive disorders, cultural diversity, adjustments to working and living in a new city, country, or career moves.
I specialize in crisis work which can be in your private or professional life. What does crisis work mean it is a situation (s) or difficulty in your life that came upon you unexpectedly and you are finding it unmanageable to maintain all of your other daily activities. I I have traveled extensively, lived overseas, and speak French fluently (can do therapy in French). Hence, I am accustomed to working with an international and culturally diverse clientele. I am focused on working with anxiety and depressive disorders, cultural diversity, adjustments to working and living in a new city, country, or career moves.
(718) 701-8474 View (718) 701-8474
Photo of Debora M Worth, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Debora M Worth
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10024
After more than 35 years of doing this work, I am still reminded daily that every therapeutic relationship is different. Working together we will begin to understand how you came to be the person you are, what things hold you back, and how you can learn to change. We will look at your past, but also at your present, including what happens between the two of us. Through treatment you should expect to feel more confident and more flexible in your ability to respond to problems that inevitably crop up. My goal is to help you experience your life as fully as possible.
After more than 35 years of doing this work, I am still reminded daily that every therapeutic relationship is different. Working together we will begin to understand how you came to be the person you are, what things hold you back, and how you can learn to change. We will look at your past, but also at your present, including what happens between the two of us. Through treatment you should expect to feel more confident and more flexible in your ability to respond to problems that inevitably crop up. My goal is to help you experience your life as fully as possible.
(646) 480-2924 View (646) 480-2924
Photo of Marina Van Den Handel, PhD, Licensed Psychoanalyst
Marina Van Den Handel
Licensed Psychoanalyst, PhD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10010
In the chaos of everyday life, therapy is a sanctuary, a refuge where the intricate tapestry of human consciousness is carefully untangled and explored. I provide a warm, safe environment for patients to navigate their journey of self-discovery. Whether your distress manifests as depression, anxiety or relationship problems, together we address these issues at their source. I guide patients through the labyrinth of their emotions and help them cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves as we delve into past trauma, patterns of behavior, unconscious conflicts and beliefs that cause suffering.
In the chaos of everyday life, therapy is a sanctuary, a refuge where the intricate tapestry of human consciousness is carefully untangled and explored. I provide a warm, safe environment for patients to navigate their journey of self-discovery. Whether your distress manifests as depression, anxiety or relationship problems, together we address these issues at their source. I guide patients through the labyrinth of their emotions and help them cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves as we delve into past trauma, patterns of behavior, unconscious conflicts and beliefs that cause suffering.
(917) 945-3010 View (917) 945-3010
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How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in New York, NY

3,000+

Average cost per session

$200

Therapists in New York, NY who prioritize treating:

94% Anxiety
89% Depression
84% Relationship Issues
78% Self Esteem
67% Trauma and PTSD
66% Stress
64% Life Transitions

Average years in practice

12 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

81% Aetna
62% Cigna and Evernorth
60% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH

How Therapists in New York, NY see their clients

57% In Person and Online
43% Online Only

Gender breakdown

78% Female
21% Male
1% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in New York?

Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.

Learn more about how to find a therapist

Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?

The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.

Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.

What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?

Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.

Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.

What type of therapy is right for me?

The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.

How much does therapy cost?

The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.

What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?

Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.

Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?

Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.

Is online therapy a good option?

Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.

Are therapy sessions confidential?

Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.